19th Century Baccarat Cut Crystal Chandelier Ball

Large Baccarat crystal chandelier ball* with a honeycomb pattern, dating from the 19th century. This ball is in good condition, superb quality. Note: a small chip on the underside of the ball, micro-scratches, and slight signs of age, see photos. *The Baccarat crystalworks is a crystal manufacturer located in the town of Baccarat in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, in Lorraine, France. In 1764, King Louis XV granted permission to establish a glassworks in the town of Baccarat in Lorraine to the Bishop of Metz, Louis-Joseph de Montmorency-Laval (1761-1802). The vast grounds of the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat were almost indistinguishable from the small town of Baccarat itself. Production consisted of window panes, mirrors, and glassware. After the French Revolution, the company declined until its bankruptcy in 1806, when it was sold at auction to a merchant from Verdun. In 1816, the glassworks was bought by an industrialist, Aimé-Gabriel d'Artigues (1773-1848). This marked the beginning of the prestigious rise of the Baccarat Crystal Works. The company's real takeoff dates from its acquisition in 1822 by a wealthy Parisian, Pierre-Antoine Godard-Desmarest. Baccarat received its first royal commission in 1823 from King Louis XVIII. This was the start of a long series of commissions for royal families and heads of state from around the world. This was also a period of strong international growth. In 1855, Baccarat won its first gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. From 1860 onwards, Baccarat registered its trademark on its pieces. The brand was a label affixed to the pieces. Crystal production expanded significantly during this period, and Baccarat built a worldwide reputation by manufacturing very high-quality glassware, candlesticks, vases, and perfume bottles. Diameter: 19 cm Reference: 320 55 All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com